The Art of Building 2016: Architectural photography competition winners
The Art Deco control room of a derelict Hungarian power station has been chosen by the public as the winner of the Art of Building photography competition.
The Art Deco control room of a derelict Hungarian power station has been chosen by the public as the winner of the Art of Building photography competition.
Control, by Roman Robroek, Hungary: 'This beautiful control room is one of a kind and built in a beautiful Art Deco style.'Roman Robroek
Urban photographer Roman Robroek from the Netherlands took the winning image of Kelenfold Power Station in Budapest said: "When I started my urban photography journey, I mostly saw empty, abandoned and decayed buildings. It didn't take long before curiosity struck me. What was the story behind those buildings? Who used to live there? What purpose did these objects serve and why were they abandoned? This curiosity created a close bond between me and urban photography and I have since visited so many beautiful locations all over the world. The opportunity to take a peek behind closed doors is a truly unique experience, both relaxing and enticing at the same time."
For the first time the competition also introduced a £1,000 cash prize to support a Young Photographer of the Year (those aged 18 or under) which was awarded to Jonathan Walland for his photograph Overlook which showcased an unusual perspective of the Hayward Gallery in London. Speaking about his victory Jonathan said "I have always had a particular interest in photographing structures, including interiors, and I have recently developed an interest in commercial photography. To win such a prestigious award so early in my photography career is incredible."
Overlook, by Jonathan Walland, London, UK. 'This is part of a series of photographs demonstrating how the absence of light can be used to divert the attention of the observer towards what the photographer intended to highlight.'Jonathan Walland
Each year, Art of Building attracts thousands of entries from around the world by amateur and professional photographers aiming to scoop the £3,500 cash prize and title Art of Building Photographer of the Year. These are whittled down to shortlist of around 15 pictures by a team of professional judges from the world of art, photography and publishing. The overall winner is decided upon by public vote.
The Turbo Dandelion Wind Farm, by Derek Snee, Northumberland, UK: 'Imagine if we could use plants to harvest wind. Well now we can. Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, I give you The Turbo Dandelion Wind Farm’.Derek SneePeacock, by Gina Soden, Italy: 'A fine example of Moorish architecture – but in a castle in Italy. These rooms were all hand designed and painted by one man who had a vision to build this beautiful castle and open it as a hotel.'Gina SodenJeporeka, by Enrique Gimenez-Velilla, Asunción, Paraguay: 'This photo seeks to pay homage to all the clever unknown workers that still build and maintain built infrastructure in the developing world. Jeporeka is a Paraguayan Guarani word that roughly translates into make do.'Enrique Gimenez-VelillaElevation, by Naf Selmani, London, UK: The Hive, Kew Gardens' spectacular new bee-inspired sculpture, seen from below as one of the visitors lies on the top glass floor to pose for pictures. This multi-sensory experience integrates art, science and landscape architecture.'Naf SelmaniThe Gherkin, by James Tarry, London, UK: 'This series is about looking past imperfections and 'incorrect' architectural photography techniques. They are created using a 4x5 technical film camera by forcing the perspective and focus. The expired Kodak Ektachrome is then developed in the 'wrong' chemicals to produce these big slabs of often other worldly colour. These are flawed and hopefully challenging, just like some of the buildings themselves.'James TarryThe Hive, by Marco Grassi, Larung Gar, Tibetan Autonomous Region, China: 'Since June 2016, everything has changed in Larung Gar, but almost nobody knows about it. What was the largest Buddhist settlement in the world – and a remote place removed from modern society, where nuns and monks led a passive life – is now being demolished by Chinese authorities.Marco GrassiPurelife, by Shibasish Saha, West Bengal, India: 'In this frame men as well as women are working very hard to feed their families. Women forget their pain and work alongside the men in a brick field.'Shibasish SahaSancaklar Mosque 2, by Bulent Suberk, Istanbul, Turkey: 'Modern architecture as a non-traditional mosque.'Bulent SuberkChanging Landscape 1, by Barbara Rossi, Sokhna, Egypt: 'I took this photo in deconstruction, it shows transformation, action and beauty.'Barbara RossiHe and the bridge, by Oleg Dashkov, Riga, Latvia: 'Riga’s Tower Counter keeps his records during any season rain or shine, wet or fine. Is he distracted by the beauty of the cable bridge, I wonder?'Oleg DashkovCoast minimalism, by Senad Tahmaz, Supetar, Croatia: 'Unusual, minimalistic view of architectural detail.'Senad TahmazPeople’s Friendship Arch, by Oleksandr Nesterovskyi, Kiev, Ukraine: 'The photo shows a combination of nature and architecture, with the harmonious juxtaposition of a tree and a 30-metre-high titanium arch.'Oleksandr NesterovskyiFlatiron building in a snowstorm, by Michelle Palazzo, New York, USA: 'New York City’s iconic Flatiron building emerges from a blizzard like the bow of a giant ship ploughing through the wind and the snow. Taken during the historic coastal storm Jonas on 23 January 2016, the photograph went viral during the aftermath of the storm.'Michelle Palazzo
